Q. What makes Alan Hovhaness: Unveiling One of the Great Composers of the 20th Century a must-read?
Alan Hovhaness would tell Hinako Hovhaness personal stories about other famous composers. Many of the stories were not complimentary stories found in books but rather passed down by word of mouth. Hinako believed that Alan’s personal first -hand stories needed to also be told. Many knew of his compositions, but not many knew his personality and interests. This book was an opportunity to provide an insight into Alan Hovhaness’ legacy.
The book started out to be more of a documentary, however due to the subject matter it turned into a heartfelt love story. The book transitions through the different forms of love we experience: romantic, family, elderly caring and longing. Hinako uses a deeply passionate style of writing to capture the reader into the emotion of the story.
The book also tells a story of a classical composer that was bitterly ridiculed during a time when his music was not in fashion. Rather than submit to social acceptance he stuck to his beliefs and followed the path of beautiful and healing music. This led him to travel to India, Japan and Korea to study the ancient music styles. Through absorbing these cultures and being exposed to their beliefs, Hovhaness was subjected to many sensational experiences and adventures.
Q. If you could give this book to one world leader, who would it be and why?
The question does not specify dead or alive, or world leader in what, therefore I am selecting Leonardo DiVinci. Of course, Alan was Atalante Migliorotti in a previous carnation, who was a musician and pupil of Leonardo. Atalante sang the lead role in the opera on the subject of Orpheus in 1491 (Hovhaness’s Opus 155 Meditation on Orpheus). I believe Leonardo would be very happy to read about one of his students.
Q. What was the hardest part of co-authoring the book?
My mother, Hinako Hovhaness wrote all the book text and had it in draft form. Due to her health issues, she could not publish the book prior to her passing. My wife, daughter and I completed the text editing, sorting through hundreds of photographs, and worked with the publisher to design the cover, dust cover and custom boxes.
The hardest part was editing the text. My mother had somewhat choppy English but wanted to retain some of her “Orientalness” in her writing. Although the book has high grades for content, we struggled to make the writing readable and retain her style.
Q. What is the most enlightening/inspirational story you tell in this book?
Alan Hovhaness earned a scholarship to Tanglewood in 1942. During a class presentation of one of his compositions his classmates Aaron Copeland and Leonard Bernstein ridiculed his composition as “ghetto” music. Hovhaness was humiliated and was looked upon as an outsider. This led to his leaving Tanglewood, and he burned over 1000 of his compositions.
During the early 1940’s Hovhaness established a relationship with William Saroyan, in which Hovhaness wrote music to Saroyan’s writings. Saroyan believed Hovhaness was an upcoming young composer and in the same year that Hovhaness left Tanglewood, Saroyan introduced his music to Leopold Stokowski. In January 1943 Stokowski performed Hovhaness’s Symphony No. 1 Exile with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Stokowski performed numerous Hovhaness compositions in the years to come, which greatly helped establish Hovhaness’s career.
Q. One word that best describes you.
Consistency – During my career as an Avionics Systems Engineer, there were many engineers that were more intelligent and others that were more persuasive. However, consistency provides experience, which is essential in any field.
Q. What is the core message you want to deliver to the world through your writing/books/stories?
Stick to what you believe in, do not bend to social influence. You learn by failing.
Q. If there is a movie adaptation of your book, who do you think would be perfect for the lead roles?
John Lennon and Yoko Ono. First, both couples have somewhat similar physical looks. It doesn’t stop there… Alan was very much into religious study and was on the same frequency as the universe, which allowed him to capture the sounds from the mountains, trees, weather and interpret that into his music. I think both Alan and John were able to express their life force through their music and writing.
Both Alan and John had prior relationships before Hinako and Yoko, but somehow these two women were able to greatly influence these remarkable men’s lives.
Q. What can this teach to a motivated and mission-driven population of writers?
Everyone has a story, fiction or non-fiction. During my career I wrote many requirement documents which are a completely different method of writing. I learned throughout the book publishing process, and this book may not be a literary masterpiece, however it provided the experience to move on to the next level. Keep writing, learning and expand your experience.
Q. Movie or TV Series?
A. Movie – Too many personal projects, one-and-done works.
Q. Long walk or long car ride?
A. Depends on location of the walk… City – no, Country – yes.
Q. Comedy or Drama?
A. Need more Comedy. Drama cup is full.
Q. The city or the country?
A. Country – Peace rather than protest.
Q. Baking or Cooking?
A. Cooking – I like Baking, but Cooking seems to have more possibilities.
Q. Reading a book or watching a movie?
A. I usually read non-fiction books and movies are usually fiction. It depends on my mood.
Q. Holding a Puppy or Holding a Baby?
A. Puppy
Q. invisibility cloak or sparkling skin?
A. Sparkling Skin – I’m not one who is addicted to attention, but Invisibility Cloak seems somewhat devious.
Q. Coffee or tea?
A. Generally, Coffee, but am I at Starbucks or McDonalds?
Q. Dinosaurs or princesses?
A. Dinosaurs – The world already has too many Princesses.
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